El Potrero Chico
El Potrero Chico is the best known rock climbing area in Mexico with hundreds of limestone sport routes and multi-pitch routes, near the city of Monterrey, close to the America border, offering hundreds of brilliant routes, up to 700m long. There is something for everyone, from steep overhangs to easy slabs, with the majority of routes between 5.8 and 5.13 (French 4+ to 8a). There is a choice between 1, 3, 10 or 20 pitch routes on bolted limestone rock. Though the rock can be sharp there are plenty of crimps and pockets.
Also in the north of Mexico there are big wall routes at La Huasteca, the giant waterfall wall at Basaseachic, and at Cañon Tajo. Close to Mexico City there are a number of excellent sport climbing areas, particularly at Jilotepec. One of the best bouldering areas in Mexico is at Peñoles.
The best time to climb at El Potrero Chico is from mid-December through to mid-March, with late February offering the very best conditions. With regards to gear, a minimum 60m long rope is essential for the single pitch sport routes and twin 60m long ropes are recommended for the multi-pitch routes. Bring along around 20 quickdraws and even though the routes are bolted a small set of nuts are useful. The limestone towering mountains of El Potrero Chico, Mexico’s best sport climbing area.
Oaxaca Best Climbing Area of Mexico
Oaxaca is a beautiful state in central Mexico home to world class beaches, incredible food, and a capital city bursting with culture. If you’re planning a trip through Mexico, Oaxaca is a must-see destination. And if you’re a climber, you’re in luck — there is some fantastic rock climbing in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca weather is grouped into two seasons, rainy and dry. Rainy season goes from end of May to end of September, while dry season Is October through April. Obviously, the climbing is better in dry season. With that said, Oaxaca rain can let up for enough time to get out there and do some climbing. Despite this, you can climb all year round in Oaxaca, La Meca and Yagul are overhang walls.
The best crags are: San Sebastián Tutla, La Meca, Yagul and Peña Colorada in Santiago de Apoala. All together they have more than 125 routes. If you want to jump in to the culture of Mexico and climb great routes of all the grades this is the place that you have to visit.
Check out our Climbing Mondragón Tours / Muro Mondragón:
- Yagul – Click here for more information.
- San Sebatián Tutla
- La Meca
What is included?
- Transportation: we pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.
- 5 hrs of climbing, top rope or lead climbing.
- Snacks and water.
- Certified Equipment (Climbing shoes in your number).
- Experienced guide (English speaking).
Best Climbing Areas Around Mexico City
Many climbing areas have been developed, offering sport, trad and bouldering options. To the south of Mexico City is the huge cave Chontacoatlan in Taxco Gurrero. Closer to Mexico City there is the excellent sport climbing at Jilotepec that has some of the hardest sport climbs in Mexico, the proper name of the crag is Peñas de Dexcani Alto.
If you love roofs and overhanging walls you must go to La Cueva del Penitente, we recommend this crag to medium and strong climbers. A plenty of 13´s and 14´s you will find.
Chico National Park is a great option for longer Multi-pitch routes. In the city, you can find other good options, to the south is Los Dinamos, at the north is Remedios, to the east Texcoco.
Speaking about bouldering, there are a lot of options, Las Manzanas, Los Dinamos, Mineral del Chico, Ciudad Universitaria, Salazar, etc
Best Climbing Areas Around Querétaro
For longer multi-pitch routes then Peña de Bernal is the best option, Bernal also offers a lot of boulders, great problems of all the grades. El Doctor is another great destination, if you love great landscapes with a beautiful sunrise, this is a must for you. El Doctor is a «new» crag with amazing long routes of all grades. Another crag is San Jose Las Tepuzas, you will find fun vertical short routes.
Guadalcazar Best Climbing Area Near San Luis Potosi
Guadalcazar is located to the north west of San Luis Potosi, one hour and a half is the time of driving between them. It is the best option for limestone sport climbing area, with many overhanging routes with huge stalactites, tufas and pockets.
In Guadalcazar you will find: San Cayetano, huge cave with more than 35 long routs of all the grades. Gruta de las Cadelas, with more than 24 routes, short and long. Another crags are Joya del Salitre, Panales, Joya del Metate, Cueva del Gato and Realejo.
Best Climbing Areas Near Guadalajara
Close to Guadalajara there are several rock climbing areas with granite blocks of El Diente being the best. Here there is excellent bouldering and sport climbing.
Speaking about sport climbing Ixcatan, El Cuajo, Los Desplomes and La Hidroelectrica are the best crags to climb around Guadalajara.
Why Should I Choose Mexico for my Rock-Climbing Adventure?
Bundles of climbs
The country is populated with an endless rugged terrain that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Whether it’s the climbs on El Potrero Chico, or in the stunning Los Dinamos National Park, the famous Ajusco Volcano, or the mountains that line the background of Mexico City, there are endless climbs open to choose from.
A land for intermediates
The large collection of mountains and volcanoes that are lined along the Eje Neovolcanico provide for breathtaking scenery that forms the background to enjoyable and challenging climbs. The ideal type of climber that will get the most out of the Mexican mountains are intermediate climbers who are comfortable with their hands on the rugged rock.
Cradle of civilization
As one of 5 cradles of civilization, the territory of modern-day Mexico was home to many advanced cultures including the Maya and Aztec civilizations. Today Mexico retains much of these indigenous cultures which survive through its rich cuisine, clothing, traditions and celebrations
